Dyess 2008 water report Published June 25, 2008 DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dyess Air Force Base routinely monitors its drinking water for contaminants. Our water is safe to drink. Trained, certified operators consistently treat water to meet or exceed federal and state drinking water quality standards. Water is analyzed in all stages of production, from Abilene's creeks and treatment plants, to distribution systems, and consumer's homes, to assure it is of the highest quality. Dyess AFB received recognition from the State of Texas as a Superior Water System for the ninth year in a row. This acknowledgement proves our firm commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality water. This document is a snapshot of the quality of water that we provided last year. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. Where do we get our drinking water? Dyess receives water from the City of Abilene. The city's water comes from three surface water sources..... · Lake Ft. Phantom: north of Abilene · Lake Hubbard Creek: between Albany and Breckenridge · Lake O.H. Ivie: near Ballinger Water sources: The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. Contamination may occur as water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, dissolving naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water before treatment include: microbes, inorganic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, radioactive contaminants, and organic chemical contaminants. Source water susceptibility assessment: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed a Source Water Susceptibility Assessment for all drinking water systems that own their sources. This report describes the susceptibility and types of constituents that may come into contact with drinking water sources based on human activities and natural conditions. The system from which we purchase our water received the assessment report. For more information on source water assessments or protection efforts at our system, contact Brian Danko, Water Program Manager, (325) 696-5619. Need more information? To obtain additional information, to provide input to decisions, to schedule a public meeting, or to report a problem with taste, odor or color, contact: Le Thai H, Capt., Element Chief Bioenvironmental Engineering (325) 696-2325 or Mr. Brian Danko, Water Program Manager Environmental Engineering Flight (325) 696-5667 Special notice for elderly, infants, cancer patients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune problems: You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain contaminants in drinking water. Immune-compromised individuals such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have increased risk of getting cancer. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care provider. The EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (1-800-426-4791). All drinking water may contain contaminants: When drinking water meets federal standards there may not be any health based benefits to purchasing bottled water or point of use devices. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small amount of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). En Español: Este informe incluye informacion impotante sobre el agua potable. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios sobre este informe en español, favor de llamar al tel. (325) 696-2325 - para hablar con una persona bilingue en español. Secondary constituents: Many constituents (such as calcium, sodium, or iron), which are often found in drinking water, can cause taste, color, and odor problems. The taste and odor constituents are called secondary constituents that are regulated by the State of Texas, not the EPA. These constituents are not causes for health concerns. Therefore, secondary constituents are not required to be reported in this document but they may greatly affect the appearance and taste of your water. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Definitions - What does it mean? MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) - The highest permissible level of a contaminant in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs (Goals) as feasible using best available treatment technology. MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level) - The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Evidence shows that addition of a disinfectant helps control microbial contaminants. TT (Treatment Technique) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a substance in drinking water. Action Level - The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. ppm (Parts Per Million) - Unit of measure of the milligrams of a substance in a liter of water (mg/L). ppb (Parts Per Billion) - Unit of measure of the micrograms of a substance in a liter of water (ug/L). NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) - Unit of measure of the turbidity (cloudiness) of the water. pCi/L (Picocuries Per Liter) - Unit of measure of radioactivity